Gandhi Jayanti observed across all districts in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, OCT 2: One the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on 2nd October to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was famously known as Mahatma Gandhi, Swachhata Abhiyan was today observed across all the districts of Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the UT-level function commemorating the 155th birth anniversary celebration of  Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Bhawan.

The event, organized by the Department of School Education & Department of Higher Education, also marked the closing ceremony of the Swachhata Pakhwada and Swachhata Hi Seva Abhiyan.

In his address, the Lt Governor extended felicitations to the people on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Lt Governor said the leadership, ideals and values of Bapu has inspired the entire country to come together for the cause of independence and build a nation that will make a lasting contribution to peace and progress of the world.
Observing that Gandhiji’s ideals of truth, non-violence, compassion and kindness present the solutions to all the challenges before the tumultuous world, the Lt Governor called upon the people to spread Bapu’s vision all over the world to make this planet a peaceful and a better place.
“Bapu’s dream was that India would become a ray of hope for the humanity and it will be a peaceful, self-reliant and developed nation. The responsibility of fulfilling these dreams rests on 140 crore Indians and the younger generation will have to play a bigger role in this journey,” the Lt Governor said.
“Our youth are determined to follow the path of truth and non-violence and to build a prosperous society,” he said.

The Lt Governor also appreciated the School Education Department and students from schools across J&K for their cleanliness endeavours like adopting a local water body, local park or a local heritage site to undertake cleanliness drive twice every month, as a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi.
He urged the people, especially the youth to identify one place in all the cities and villages and dedicate one day of the month for activities like cleanliness drives and Shramdaan.
The Lt Governor also appealed to all sections of the society to take inspiration from Bapu’s life and work towards public welfare.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor felicitated the students who have excelled in various competitions as a part of Gandhi Jayanti celebration.
The event also featured the enthralling performances from Artists and Students depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education & Department of Higher Education; senior officials; heads of educational institutions; students, teachers, youth and prominent citizens from across the UT joined the celebration, in person and through virtual mode.

Multiple  celebrations were held under the able direction of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

In Srinagar, the District Judiciary and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), in collaboration with (NGO), observed Swachh Bharat 2024 and celebrated Gandhi Jayanti at District Court Complex Srinagar under the guidance of Jaffer Hussain Beg, Pr. District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, and under the supervision of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary, DLSA Srinagar.

The event commenced with a vibrant rally, which saw enthusiastic participation from all the Judicial officers of the District Judiciary Srinagar, Administrative staff, Court staff, Staff members, Legal Aid Defence Counsels of the District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar, Dr.Touseef Ahmed Bhat, Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar and law students from Kashmir University.
The rally was further energized by the presence of students from Kashmir Model Academy HMT and Habrus International School, Parimpora, who actively engaged in the cleanliness drive, embodying the spirit of Swachh Bharat Diwas and Gandhi Jayanti.

The rally traversed within the premises of the District Court Complex Srinagar, transforming it into a symbol of collective commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment. The rally served as the comprehensive cleanliness drive within the premises of the District Court Complex Srinagar, aligning with the spirit of Swachh Bharat Diwas.
The program culminated in a significant plantation drive, initiated by the Chairman DLSA Srinagar and other judicial officers of District Srinagar, emphasizing the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.
This initiative was aimed to honor the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, promoting a sense of responsibility among the youth and the community at large.
In Anantnag, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Anantnag organized a cleanliness drive as part of the National campaign ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa (SHS-2024)’ to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with District Judiciary Anantnag.
The event was conducted under the guidance of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Tahir Khurshid Raina (Chairman DLSA) and under the supervision of Secretary DLSA Anantnag, Muzamil Ahmad Wani.
The initiative aimed to promote cleanliness and hygiene within the community while paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. With the support and encouragement of the local judicial system, the event sought to inspire citizens to actively participate in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Ek Kadam Swachhata Ki Ore).
After the cleanliness drive, Pr. District & Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) addressed the gathering emphasizing the significance of cleanliness as a fundamental aspect of a progressive society. He elaborated on Mahatma Gandhiji’s ideology and the values he stood for and also highlighted the duty of each citizen to contribute towards building a cleaner and healthier nation.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of officials of the District Court Anantnag and DLSA, officials of Legal Aid Defense Counsels, officials of Municipal Council Anantnag, Para Legal Volunteers and other key stakeholders within the judicial system.
Besides the cleanliness drive, DLSA held a sensitization programme on “Swachhta he Sewa / Swacchta Diwas-2024 at ADR Centre, Anantnag where a brief PowerPoint presentation highlighting the dire need of maintaining cleanliness in and around the offices, houses, buildings and other public/private entities.
Officials of District Judiciary and DLSA Anantnag keenly learned about the importance of cleanliness and pledged to uphold the life of cleanliness and maintain a hygiene work culture in the office.
A plantation drive was also held under the guidance of Chairman DLSA which was a part of the broader ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ initiative aimed to promote cleanliness and hygiene across the nation.
Similar events were also held at Tehsil Legal Services Committees Ashmuqam, Bijbehara, Vailoo, Shangus and Dooru with zeal and zest.
In Budgam, a remarkable display of community engagement and commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of cleanliness and sustainability, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam under the aegis of J&K Legal Services Authority organized a impactful activity, in collaboration with Municipal Committee Budgam as part of the national campaign ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa-2024 (SHS-2024).’
Under the leadership and guidance of Chairman DLSA Budgam, O.P Bhagat, and under the guidance of Secretary DLSA, Nusrat Ali Hakak, the ‘Swatchata Abhiyaan’ witnessed enthusiastic participation of dedicated staff members of District Judiciary Budgam and DLSA, Budgam, members of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC), Penal Lawyers, devoted Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and diligent officials from the Municipal Corporation, Budgam.
The event commenced with an inspiring cleanliness drive within the District Court Complex Budgam and all Tehsil Legal Service Committee’s of Budgam, setting the tone for a cleaner and greener environment.
The speakers highlighted that cleanliness is not just a virtue; it is a way of life. It reflects our commitment to a healthier and more sustainable future. “This initiative is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our community and our unwavering commitment to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a reminder that the path to a cleaner and greener world begins with each one of us,” they said.
The ‘Swatchata Abhiyaan’ organized by DLSA, Budgam, all Tehsil Legal Service Committees of Budgam, reflects not only a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi but also a dedication to transforming his vision into a reality.
Similar events were conducted by Tehsil Legal Services Committees of Charasharief, Chadoora, Beerwah and Magam.
In Ganderbal, the District Judiciary Ganderbal, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, observed Swachh Bharat Diwas on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti with a cleanliness drive in the District Court premises Ganderbal, under the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhta.’
The event was attended by Abdul Nasir, Principal District and Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) Ganderbal; Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA Ganderbal; Moonis Wahid, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Ganderbal, Mahoor; Munsiff/JMIC Ganderbal, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, and other staff members of District Judiciary Ganderbal, DLSA Ganderbal, TLSC Ganderbal, as well as PLVs of District Ganderbal and officials of Municipal Council Ganderbal.
The event highlighted the importance of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024’ campaign, including a cleanliness drive conducted in District Court premises Ganderbal, aimed to promote awareness about sanitation and hygiene.
On the occasion, Principal District and Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) Ganderbal highlighted the significance of the day, emphasizing the importance of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024’ campaign including cleanliness and its impact on society in general.
Special emphasis was laid on the cleanliness within office premises, scrap disposal, record management including recording/weeding of records. The event aimed to promote awareness about sanitation and hygiene, aligning with the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission.
This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the District Judiciary Ganderbal and District Legal Services Authority Ganderbal towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment, inspiring others to join the movement.
In Pulwama, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Pulwama today organized a cleanliness drive under ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa-2024’ at District Court Complex Pulwama.
The programme was held under the Chairmanship of Naseer Ahmad Dar, Chairman DLSA (Pr.District& Sessions Judge), Pulwama and under the supervision of Mudasar Farooq, Secretary DLSA Pulwama in coordination with Municipal Committee Pulwama.
Among others the programme was attended by all Judicial Officers, LADCs, staff members, Bar Association of District court Pulwama and staff of DLSA Pulwama, panel lawyers and PLVs participated in the said drive.
In addition to this all the TLSC’s associated with District Pulwama viz. Awantipora, Tral, and Pampore also held Swachta Drives within their respective jurisdictions.
In Bandipora, as part of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva-2024’ (SHS-2024), the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora in collaboration with District Judiciary Bandipora and Municipal Council Bandipora held a cleanliness drive at premises of District court Complex Bandipora.
The drive witnessed cleanliness drive by staff within the premises with the aim of fostering cleanliness and a sense of responsibility for the community’s hygiene.
The drive was carried out under the supervision of Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Chairman DLSA, (Pr. Distt. & Sessions Judge), Bandipora and guidance of, Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon, Secretary DLSA Bandipora
The event had the presence of Chairman DLSA (Pr. District & Sessions Judge), Bandipora, and Secretary DLSA (Chief Judicial Magistrate) Bandipora.
The event commenced with the ‘Swachhata Pledge’ administered by Chairman (DLSA) Pr. District & Sessions Judge, Bandipora symbolizing the unwavering commitment to nurturing a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Following the litters were collected in huge garbage sacks and collectively segregated for proper disposal. All the waste collected was handed over to the Municipal Council Authorities for further proper disposal.
The cleanliness drive at the Court Complex, Bandipora, was a resounding success. It exemplified the spirit of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ and the commitment of the community and government to achieving a ‘Garbage Free India.’ Such initiatives are pivotal in realizing the vision of a cleaner and healthier nation, aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of cleanliness and self-reliance.
In addition, two more cleanliness drives were undertaken at Talukas, one at Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Sumbal and another at Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Gurez.
In Kupwara, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kupwara and District Judiciary Kupwara in collaboration with Municipal Council Kupwara today celebrated the National Campaign ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa – 2024’ at District Court Complex Kupwara.
The celebration was held under the supervision of Chairperson DLSA, Shazia Tabasum Pr. District & Sessions Judge, Kupwara and under the guidance of Secretary DLSA Kupwara, Moneer Ahmad.
Iram Irtiza (Munsiff/JMIC Kupwara) emphasized, ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ is not just a campaign, but a way of life. Every small action counts and collective efforts will lead to significant positive change. She said, cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, let’s work together to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our nation.
The cleanliness drive/ event witnessed participation of DLSA Staff, LADCs, Court Staff, Para Legal Volunteers and the officials of Municipal Council Kupwara.
The main objectives of the campaign were to promote community participation in cleanliness initiatives, foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, create awareness on sanitation, hygiene, and waste management best practices.
It also aimed to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s goals.
Similar cleanliness drives on the lines of ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa’ were also organized by Tehsil Legal Services Committees Handwara, Sogam and Tangdhar.